The Most Important Qualities to Look for in Your Buyer’s Agent or Seller’s Agent

When searching for a home, undergoing contract negotiations, or trying to sell your property, the last thing you want is to be stressed out or confused over what is going on during the process. Many aspiring homeowners struggle to find their footing in this area on their own and seek out the assistance of a buyer’s agent to represent their interests and help them come across as more professional in negotiations. On the opposite side, current homeowners will often seek out the help of a seller’s agent, more commonly known as a real estate agent. The job of each party is simply to communicate their client’s interests. Let’s discuss the top qualities you should look for in your buyer’s agent or seller’s agent.

They Do This 24/7

You don’t want to work with an agent who is only part-time. This not only means that they have other important things that take up their time, but it also means that they have many gaps in their resume. Real estate agents who have long gaps in between clients are likely going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to market knowledge and negotiating contracts with more experienced parties. This is bad news for you. You want someone who sells or negotiates the sale of homes full-time so they won’t miss a beat during the selling process and can get you the best deal possible.

Are They Legitimate?

It is also a good idea to verify that your seller’s agent has the proper licensing and see if there have been any complaints made about their services or adverse actions taken against them. You can obtain this information by reaching out to the department of regulatory agency in your state. You can also search online to see if anyone who has worked with your agent before has shared their experience. This is a good way to gain further insight; both positive and negative.

Communication

A lack of communication can lead to a variety of issues when it comes to real estate negotiations. Make sure that your agent is an effective communicator who provides you with regular and timely updates. Before taking on an agent, be sure that they are able to match what you need as far as communication goes so that you will not be disappointed. Perhaps you are a person who doesn’t need daily updates, or maybe you would like a daily email detailing where you are at in the process. Make sure to establish what the communication style will be upfront.

Are They Knowledgeable?

You’ll want to find a real estate agent who is well-versed in all aspects of home selling and who is up to date with the current market. Your agent should be comfortable negotiating a contract on your behalf and also familiar with your current local market so they can advise you accordingly. You also want an agent who knows the area you wish to live in extremely well and who can inform you of all that you want to know.

Are They Reliable?

A reliable agent will be someone you can depend on to always show up to scheduled meetings on time and keep their promises. Whether you are buying or selling, the process is not a quick and easy one. If you are operating on a short timeline, having an agent who cannot keep their word or send over necessary documents when you need them, will be a major issue. Not to mention, an unreliable agent could lose a good sale for you as a buyer or as a seller.

Do You Get Along?

Another important quality to look for in an agent is the fact that they are easy to get along with. The process of purchasing or selling a home is a long one, therefore, you will want to be dealing with someone who you can connect with beyond just a business deal. Your agent should be someone who is kind, not only to you but to all parties involved in the sale in order to achieve the best results. Perhaps you are pondering over your agent options as a seller or a buyer. When seeking out an agent make sure to do your research and ask questions to make sure you will be a proper match.